3 Important Facts You Need to Know about Silverfish

Silverfish are some creepy-looking bugs that are often mistaken for centipedes. One of the things you’ll hear out there is that they have been in existence for over 400 million years. They are tiny, they have antennae at the front and some of them have a very long tail.

In the quest to help you know more about them, here are three questions with answers for you. They will help you understand how you can identify Silverfish, why they are dangerous and why you should eradicate them.

How do you identify Silverfish?

If you thought that Silverfish are like other bugs, then you will be shocked. These small creatures are known to squeeze through very narrow spaces and will gladly scale walls and ceilings. They can live for a whole year without food and their life can span from 3 to 6 years and some have been known to live for 8 years.

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that kind of look like centipedes. Their bodies are flat, and they are usually covered with scales. They have two long antennae attached to their head and three long bristles on their rear. They are approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inches in length and are white to brown-grey or bluish-silver in color. Their flattened bodies allow them to hide in very small cracks and crevices.

Adult silverfish may live two to eight years. In a lifetime, silverfish females lay about 100 eggs. They lay them singly or in small groups, hatching in three to six weeks.  Young silverfish resemble adults, except they are smaller and more white. It only takes about four to six weeks to turn darker and grow to their full size. Read more from Cramer Pest Control…

How do you protect your clothes from Silverfish?

Silverfish are known to have a weird taste when it comes to what they eat. Their diet is composed of protein-rich items and starch. To be precise, this should be vegetables, grains, sugars, fibers, sugars, and fabrics. This means that your clothes are not in any way safe. Here are some ways you can protect your clothes from Silverfish damage:

When it comes to preventing silverfish holes in clothes, proper storage is key. First, always wash your garments before putting them away with the right fabric-specific detergent. (You can even wash silk and handwash wool without dry cleaning with our guides.) These insects are attracted to perspiration, perfume, and body oils, so not washing your clothing is like inviting them to a delicious dinner!

After washing, make sure your storage area is completely clean and dry. We love wiping closets and storage areas often with our high-powered home cleanser, Scented Vinegar. For long-term storage, it’s a good idea to wrap storage boxes in nylon netting to prevent silverfish from entering. There is no protein in nylon, which makes it indigestible to silverfish. Avoid cardboard, paper, and plastic storage. Silverfish love snacking on paper and cardboard, especially those with glueing, and plastic encourages mold-inducing moisture buildup. Read more from The Laundress…

Why should you get rid of Silverfish?

Silver is a precious metal but Silverfish is a vicious animal. Unlike other bugs, they do not cause direct harm to human beings like biting them, but they can cause serious damage to property. You can bet on this; they will eat your book pages, your wallpaper, and any other household items that are in line with their diet needs.

In addition to the natural repulsion you and your house guests may feel for silverfish, these odd-looking insects’ eating habits can lead to considerable destruction around your home. The results may include lost valuable documents, damaged upholstery, ruined books, half-eaten groceries, and holes in your clothes.

Silverfish don’t seem to transfer diseases on the alarming scale of certain other pests. However, their molting activities can set off allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. They may also attract a variety of other pests who might regard them as a food source, multiplying your household pest headaches. Read more from Diam Pest Control…

From all you have read above, you should not take a silverfish infestation lightly. You should get rid of them as soon as possible. At Backyard Bug Patrol we have organic pest control methods that will help you get rid of Silverfish from your Maryland Home. Contact us today and we will get rid of the bugs for you.